base talk What does Beyoncé need to do to debut with 1m+?

[fememeist]

With the newest release of 1989 TV and its record breaking first day streaming numbers and since 2020, Taylor’s releases have reach an astronomical level that already put her ahead of her peers since her first 1m opening back in 2010 with Speak Now. 
 

Following her is Beyoncé, an artist who debuted about 7/8 years before Taylor. Both artists are the omnipresent multi generational female artists of our times, still able to get hits and compete with new crops of artists since their debut. However the difference between Taylor and Beyoncé’s numbers are considerable. 
 

I don’t know if this question has ever been asked but what does Beyoncé genuinely need to have big streaming numbers, therefore big units/sales like Taylor? Her biggest being 2016’s Lemonade 653k. 

[Steve Johnson]

Simple answer: She can’t even if she tries. 

[theoghon]

Maybe study what Adele did in 2010/2011 (a viral live performance) to catapult her album to multiple best-selling weeks at #1

[Kawaii]

I dont think she can because her music isnt as safe or digestible.  She would have to make an I am sasha fierce 2.0, and she would never.  Even without any 1mil openers, shes still Beyonce.

[Draper.]

She’s proven she doesn’t need a 1m debut to have you all talking about her even on your fave’s release weekend.

[Marry The Gods]

Just now, Draper. said:

She’s proven she doesn’t need a 1m debut to have you all talking about her even on your fave’s release weekend.

[NEX]

Beyonce had a string of amazing debuts in her early years as well as with her self titled and Lemonade, so she's good. 

 

In this climate not even Adele could come close to 1m, so it's pretty much out of reach for anyone other than Taylor.

 

I think for Beyoncé to open with those numbers she would need much stronger fan engagement and connection (something Taylor excels at). She would need alternative covers too, but she would need to make them meaningful for fans to want to invest in. She would also need to promote of course. I don't think all of this can be achieved in one album cycle, so she would need to build that relationship over a course of a few years. 

[HappierJealousy]

She can’t. It’s streaming era, only Taylor and Adele and probably Harry Styles can sell 200k+ physical album in one week. Do you think she can do 800k streaming units? 

[Erreur2 La Nature]

Beyoncé has never really had huge numbers. She has always been behind several other popgirls in album sales and in single sales. Though she has a great longevity and tends to sell her music over time. No big peaks but some good longevity. She won't have a 1M debut but to be fair she does not need it.

[By the Water]

2 minutes ago, Draper. said:

She’s proven she doesn’t need a 1m debut to have you all talking about her even on your fave’s release weekend.

This. Being talked about on ATRL >>>> 1M debut

[Steve Johnson]

Because there is only one Taylor Swift. 

[blown away]

Why would she need to debut with +1m?

Her numbers are great as they are. And most importantly of all, the quality is there.

 

I love you Taylor gurl, but 1989 (Karaoke Version) can't relate.

Edited October 28, 2023 by blown away

[KatyPrismSpirit]

Probably clever marketing and stopping with being kinda lazy rolling out eras. Taylor and Adele had phenomenal marketing strategies for 1989 TV & 25 etc you name it. Having 39M google puzzles, doing an advertisement on the most popular tv show at that time. The thing with getting great output or high sales is that you need to put in the work for it. You need to be clever in your strategy and really think of a good marketing strategy to get high sales. Quality isn't the problem for Beyoncé obviously but I think she just needs more clever people around to think of good marketing. Cause releasing a lead single with literally nothing coming after it (Break My Soul) is not gonna get you high first week sales and the numbers proof it.

[shookspeare]

She would need to have Taylor's level of cultural impact, so she will never reach 1M

 

 

[TayDuaStan]

Well… firstly she needs to get rid of those 20+ co-writers on songs 

 

[JBJT2786]

Make a bland GP appealing album that doesn't challenge anything music-wise ( this isn't a knock to Taylor but appeal wise). Not be Black ( cuz racism) and:

 

5 minutes ago, Draper. said:

She’s proven she doesn’t need a 1m debut to have you all talking about her even on your fave’s release weekend.

 

[Redstreak]

Find something new to sing about besides how amazing and sexy she is

[KatyPrismSpirit]

And the thing that helps Taylor's sales as well is the fact that she has many vinyl or cd options and clever ways for people to collect several copies to boost sales. Beyoncé doesn't do much customization in this regard. Just dropping one standard black vinyl (that was around $60 i believe) and not doing anything else

[suneclipse121]

Seeing by Beyoncé’s release strategies this clearly has never been a goal of hers. But even then she has still garnered pretty good opening week numbers. She probably was closest with Lemonade and ST but both albums did not have a full tracking week upon release  In addition she did not have physicals ready at release for either album until a bit after their releases. 
 

Renaissance was somewhat an improvement with bundles and vinyls available for preorder but still had a limited supply. Hopefully Act 2 and 3 have more thought out launches. 

[Bosque]

She can't, but it's not like any other non-Taylor artist can either  not sure why Beyonce was singled out like this 

 

[Axelios]

She can't, she doesn't have Taylor Swift cultural impact

[Cain]

Didn’t Lem do 800k with a non full week of sales? Or was that ST

[Blue Rose]

Taylor just achieved something monumental and you’re thinking about Beyoncé so does it actually matter

[Carla Rosón]

Be bland, basic, relatable and create sycophantic parasocial relationships with her audience.

[JBJT2786]

Just now, Cain said:

Didn’t Lem do 800k with a non full week of sales? Or was that ST

ST. The current tracking wrek structure hadn't changed yet. It had already when Lemonade came out.